An Indian perspective on the challenges in global health financing

In 2012, the Chatham House established a Working Group on Health Financing, of which I was a member, to deliberate on a global framework for health financing (Røttingen +Italic et al -Italic ., 2014) (reference to paper by McIntyre ., 2017). Intensive discussions and exhaustive studies brought out 20 recommendations. Of them three were important points emphasizing the need for countries to (i) ensure a minimum public spending of USD 86 per capita and at least 5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) for providing universal access to a package of essential health services; (ii) explore the scope available to mobilize domestic resources through better management; and (iii) shift focus in international cooperation toward health system strengthening that enhances equity. Read together these recommendations call on nation states to shift their attention toward enhancing public welfare by prioritizing health in their development agenda and demonstrating a greater political will to do whatever needs to be done. The articles in this volume provide a detailed exposition of these findings, that if implemented, could lead to a profound reduction in the overall global burden of disease.